Diagnosis Of Primary Melanoma Research Articles

Variation in initial biopsy technique for primary melanoma diagnosis: A population-based cohort study in New South Wales, Australia

BackgroundFactors associated with non-adherence to guideline-recommended complete excision of suspicious cutaneous lesions are unclear. ObjectiveTo analyse patient, melanoma and clinician factors associated with initial diagnostic biopsy type; and determine whether unwarranted variation from guidelines occurred. MethodsThis population-based, cohort study involved analysis of data from questionnaires completed by clinicians who managed patients with newly-diagnosed, histopathologically-confirmed primary invasive cutaneous melanomas reported to the NSW Cancer Registry between 2006-2007. ResultsOf 2267 biopsies, complete excision was attempted in 69.1% of cases, but histologically incomplete in 14.0%. Multivariable regression analyses showed complete excision was more likely than: incision biopsy in patients <70years (p=0.016); shave biopsy in patients <80years (p=0.034); shave biopsy in melanomas of Breslow thickness 0.8-1.0mm or 2.1-4.0mm (p=0.039); than either punch (p<0.001) or shave biopsy (p<0.003) in melanomas on trunk or limbs; and punch biopsy when treated by a surgeon (p<0.001). Complete excision was less likely than: punch biopsies in females (p<0.003); with LMM or unknown histopathology (p=0.004); shave biopsy in patients with LMM, or other melanoma subtype (p=0.003); punch, shave or incision biopsy when treated by a dermatologist (p<0.001). LimitationsGeneralisability of these findings may be limited to the time of data collection. ConclusionGuideline adherence for biopsy type undertaken for clinically suspected melanoma appeared to be sub-optimal.

Primary cervical malignant melanoma: A rare entity case report

Primary malignant melanoma of female genital tract is rare, and rarer are those arising from the cervix. Pathogenesis involving BRAF &amp; RAS pathway whether holds true for these tumours as well is a question yet to be answered. Patients come with bleeding PV as their main complain. To reach at the diagnosis of primary malignant melanoma of cervix it is important to have clinical examination with speculum assessment along with pathological evaluation of the lesion. Case presentation: We report a case of 49/F, Para 1, living 1 (P1L1), who was postmenopausal since 13 years with complains of white discharge and bleeding per vaginum since 1 week. Per vaginal examination revealed a greysih white brown growth in the cervix involving vagina. Biopsy and immunohistochemistry showed malignant melanoma (MM). Conclusion: Clinical presentation and spread pattern of primary MM of cervix is similar to that of cervical carcinoma and clinically diagnosing as melanoma is even more difficult when more than 50% tumours are amelanotic. But early diagnosis is need of the hour as these cases have poor prognosis with no standardize treatment protocol available. The FIGO staging system has been accepted by most researchers. Reporting of such cases is pertinent so as to allow the study of this extremely rare tumour for bringing up the correct and new therapies for early treatment.

SPIN-01 PRIMARY MALIGNANT MELANOMA, AN ATYPICAL PRESENTATION IN THE CERVICAL SPINE: A CASE REPORT

Abstract BACKGROUND Few studies have documented the occurrence of melanoma in the cervical spine. Of all malignant melanoma cases, 1% are primary melanoma of the central nervous system, which makes it extremely uncommon and nonspecific. We aim to report a case of the uncommon presentation of primary melanoma in the cervical spine. Case presentation: The patient was a 59-year-old Muganda male who presented with a 2-year history of anterior neck swelling as well as severe pain and a tingling sensation in the left shoulder and arm, which worsened in the recent 6 months. He developed weakness and paresthesia in the upper left arm and progressive gait disturbance of the left leg. A physical examination revealed masses in the left cervical and right submandibular region. Additionally, the upper and lower left extremities revealed hemiparesis and hemihypoesthesia. A magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a hyperintense lesion on TIWI and another hypointense lesion on T2WI, originating from the cervical spine and involving the vertebral bodies and paravertebral soft tissues. The patient underwent surgery, a black tumor was extracted, and histology revealed the tumor to be malignant melanoma. The patient died within 1 month after the diagnosis and surgery. CONCLUSION This case is presented to highlight the significance and challenges associated with making a pre- and postoperative diagnosis of primary cervical melanoma with atypical radiological characteristics. Patients with extradural lesions that show hyperintensity on T1-weighted images and hypointensity on T2-weighted images should have spinal melanoma examined as a possible differential diagnosis.

S2785 Beating the Odds: Unusual Early Diagnosis of Primary Rectal Melanoma

S2785 Beating the Odds: Unusual Early Diagnosis of Primary Rectal Melanoma

Immunohistochemical overexpression of TWIST1 in metastatic melanomas compared with primary melanomas and nevi

Melanoma is an aggressive neoplasia with poor prognosis when not identified and treated early. Phenotypic changes related to melanocytic cell invasion and metastasis have been associated with overexpression of the transcription factor TWIST1, which contributes to upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in melanoma. We aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of TWIST1 in nevi, primary melanomas and metastatic melanomas. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of 71 histological samples with diagnosis of nevus, primary melanoma and metastatic melanoma. The immunohistochemical analysis was performed applying Twist1 ‘clone 2C1a’ monoclonal antibody and the results were interpreted according to scores of intensities and percentage of positive cells. There was TWIST1 nuclear overexpression in metastatic melanomas when compared to the primary melanomas and melanocytic nevi groups. There was minor significant difference regarding nuclear expression between primary melanomas and nevi. In conclusion, the results of our evaluation of immunohistochemical expression can be consistent with the role of the TWIST1 in metastasis of melanomas.

Preoperative and Intraoperative Identification of Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Melanoma Surgery.

According to the American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition guidelines, SLN biopsy is recommended for primary melanomas with a Breslow thickness of at least 1 mm. Additionally, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends that a SLN biopsy may be considered for melanoma patients with T1b lesions, which are 0.8-1 mm thick or less than 0.8 mm thick with ulceration. It can also be considered for T1a lesions that are less than 0.8 mm thick but have other adverse features, such as a high mitotic rate, lymphovascular invasion, or a positive deep margin. To reduce the false negative rate of melanoma SLN biopsy, we have introduced the intraoperative use of Sentinella, a gamma camera, to enhance the identification rate of SLNs beyond that of the traditional gamma hand-held probe. At the Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment at the California Pacific Medical Center, a multidisciplinary approach has been established to treat melanoma patients when the diagnosis of primary melanoma is made with a referral to our melanoma center. This comprehensive approach at the melanoma tumor board, including the efforts of pathologists, radiologists, dermatologists, surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, results in a consensus to deliver personalized and high-quality care for our melanoma patients. This multidisciplinary program for the management of melanoma can be duplicated for other types of cancer. This article consists of current knowledge to document the published methods of identification of sentinel lymph nodes. In addition, we have included new data as developed in our melanoma center as newly published materials in this article to demonstrate the utility of these methods in melanoma sentinel lymph node surgery. Informed consent has been waived by our IRB regarding the acquisition of clinical data as presented in this study.

Unusual PEComa With PRCC :: TFE3 Fusion Mimicking Sinonasal Tract Melanoma.

We report a nasal cavity unusual perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) mimicking mucosal melanoma. Immunohistochemistry was performed using BenchMark Ultra and panel of antibodies. The Ion Torrent platform and Ion AmpliSeq cancer hotspot panel were utilized for DNA genotyping. Target-specific RNA libraries for the detection of fusion transcripts were constructed using Archer Universal RNA Reagent Kit v2 and Archer FusionPlex Solid Tumor panel and sequenced on the MiSeqDx instrument. The tumor, diagnosed in 46-year-old female, was composed of spindle cells, and lacked pigmentation. Immunohistochemically, it showed a patchy HMB-45 positivity. Other melanocytic markers (S100 protein, Melan-A, SOX10) were negative. The tumor cells were weakly positive for KIT (CD117) while negative for smooth muscle actin, pancytokeratin cocktail (AE1/AE3), and synaptophysin. Diagnosis of primary sinonasal tract mucosal melanoma was favored. Additional molecular studies detected PRCC :: TFE3 fusion as the sole genetic change, and suggested the diagnosis of unusual PEComa. Previously, TFE3 fusions were reported in a subset of PEComas but not in melanomas, while PRCC involvement has only been documented once in an ocular PEComa. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong nuclear TFE3 expression concordant with the molecular findings. This report emphasis the importance of molecular testing in the differential diagnosis between PEComa and melanoma, especially when the tumor arises in a site typical of melanoma but showing an unusual morphology and immunophenotype. The detection of TFE3 fusion transcripts suggested the diagnosis of SNT PEComa, although it cannot be excluded that this and similar tumors represent a distinct diagnostic category.

Primary Malignant Melanoma of The Endocervix Uteri and Outpatient Hysteroscopy as a Diagnostic Tool: Case Report and Literature Overview.

Mucosal malignant melanoma has a low incidence and only 2% are diagnosed in the gynecological tract. Diagnosis of primary cervical malignant melanoma is often challenging. The clinical presentation mimics other malignant cervical tumors, usually with abnormal bleeding or discharge. Cervical screening tests, such as cytology, often fail to detect malignant melanomas because of the rarity of the disorder, and histological evaluation of lesions is of paramount importance. The treatment is often based on regimens used for cutaneous malignant melanoma. We present the first case in the literature of primary malignant melanoma of the endocervix diagnosed by outpatient hysteroscopy and we have performed a narrative review of the literature on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from 1980 to December 2023, identifying 137 cases. The most common initial symptom was vaginal bleeding in 82.8% of cases, and 84.8% of patients were menopausal at the time of diagnosis. The first diagnostic modality was biopsy in 67.7%; 90% of patients underwent surgery and 64.5% of the deaths occurred within the first 12 months after diagnosis. Primary malignant melanoma of the cervix is extremely rare and difficult to diagnose at an early stage which is due to the aggressiveness of the disease and the non-specificity of the symptoms. To improve survival, early diagnosis is essential and hysteroscopy could be a useful tool in achieving it. It is crucial to increase the attention of gynecologists on primary malignant melanoma of the cervix to also perform a diagnostic hysteroscopy in case of doubtful symptoms.

Abstract 3823: Clinical outcomes of uveal melanoma patients in the emergency department

Abstract Purpose: Uveal melanoma is a rare ocular malignancy that has not been well characterized at a large scale. Specifically, uveal melanoma diagnosis and outcomes in the emergency department (ED) has not been characterized. Methods: The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample was queried from the last quarter of 2015 to 2019 to identify patients with a primary diagnosis of uveal melanoma. Multivariable logistic regression, with patient- and hospital-level characteristics as covariates, was used to identify factors associated with increased risk of inpatient admission. Results: From the last quarter of 2015 to 2019, there were 1,274 ED encounters with a primary diagnosis of uveal melanoma. Most patients were less than 11 years old (43.4%), male (51.1%), or a Medicaid beneficiary (37.8%), and most belonged to a family in the lowest income quartile (32.0%). The median age of these patients was 35 years (IQR: 2-64). Most patients presented to hospitals in the South (53.9%), with a Trauma Level I designation (51.4%), and most to a metropolitan teaching hospital (89.1%). The most common ED outcomes were same-day discharge (61.6%) and admission to the inpatient setting (31.2%). Patients presenting to Trauma Level I hospitals were most likely to be admitted (odds ratio [OR]=2.21; p=0.031). The factors that were most significantly associated with decreased odds of inpatient admission were: patients who were not charged for services (often due to charity) (OR=0.13; p=0.040), Medicaid beneficiaries (OR=0.27; p=0.031), and private insurance beneficiaries (OR=0.34; p=0.047). Among the admitted patients, patients can be discharged to home with self-care (76.2%) or with home-health care (14.9%) or can be transferred to an intermediate-care facility (8.1%). The mean hospital length of stay was 5.7±0.6 days. In-hospital mortality rate for admitted patients was very low (0.8%). Conclusion: Uveal melanoma patient outcomes are closely related to insurance status, indicating socioeconomic factors as a modulator of patient outcomes. Citation Format: Alice A. Beneke, Kamil Taneja, Lauren Ladehoff, Kevin Root, Eric Toloza. Clinical outcomes of uveal melanoma patients in the emergency department [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3823.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and management of primary cutaneous melanomas in New South Wales, Australia: A retrospective cohort study.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused upheaval of healthcare systems, with evolving consequences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on melanoma diagnosis and management in New South Wales, Australia. In this retrospective cohort study, we analysed all new melanomas diagnosed at a tertiary care hospital over a three-year period. We compared outcomes between pre-pandemic (1 January 2019 - 30 March 2020) and pandemic (31 March 2020 - 31 December 2021) periods. A total of 426 melanomas were included. No significant differences in patient demographics, Breslow thickness, ulceration, subtype or lymph node positivity were observed. During the pandemic, there was an 11% decrease in the number of melanomas diagnosed in the community (P=0.016) and an 11-day reduction in time from referral to wide local excision (P=0.013). The prioritisation of melanoma care during the pandemic in New South Wales, Australia, has resulted in no apparent diagnostic delays.

Primary Anorectal Malignant Melanoma (PARM) with Liver Metastasis: Case Report

Primary Anorectal Malignant Melanoma (PARM) is a rare and aggressive tumor with incidence of 3% of all anorectal cancers. The tumor may seem like adenocarcinomas, small cell carcinomas, or sarcomas histologically, yet it looks like hemorrhoids grossly. It is frequently discovered at an advanced stage due to vague symptoms and its aggressive nature, resulting in a bad prognosis. The prognosis is poor, with a median survival of only 24 months and a 5-year survival rate of &lt; 10%. The majority of patients die as a result of complications related to metastasis. We are reporting a case of 57year old woman with PARM with liver metastasis. The diagnosis of primary anorectal malignant melanoma can be challenging due to its rarity and the overlap of symptoms with other more frequent anorectal diseases. This case study emphasizes the significance of including malignant melanoma in the differential diagnosis of anorectal malignancies. The occurrence of liver metastases highlights the disease's aggressive nature and the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach. The treatment options for anorectal melanoma with liver metastases are limited and generally palliative, with the goal of enhancing quality of life and prolonging life expectancy.

Primary malignant melanoma, an atypical presentation in the cervical spine: a case report

BackgroundFew studies have documented the occurrence of melanoma in the cervical spine. Of all malignant melanoma cases, 1% are primary melanoma of the central nervous system, which makes it extremely uncommon and nonspecific. We aim to report a case of the uncommon presentation of primary melanoma in the cervical spine.Case presentationThe patient was a 59-year-old Muganda male who presented with a 2-year history of anterior neck swelling as well as severe pain and a tingling sensation in the left shoulder and arm, which worsened in the recent 6 months. He developed weakness and paresthesia in the upper left arm and progressive gait disturbance of the left leg. A physical examination revealed masses in the left cervical and right submandibular region. Additionally, the upper and lower left extremities revealed hemiparesis and hemihypoesthesia. A magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a hyperintense lesion on TIWI and another hypointense lesion on T2WI, originating from the cervical spine and involving the vertebral bodies and paravertebral soft tissues. The patient underwent surgery, a black tumor was extracted, and histology revealed the tumor to be malignant melanoma. The patient died within 1 month after the diagnosis and surgery.ConclusionThis case is presented to highlight the significance and challenges associated with making a pre- and postoperative diagnosis of primary cervical melanoma with atypical radiological characteristics. Patients with extradural lesions that show hyperintensity on T1-weighted images and hypointensity on T2-weighted images should have spinal melanoma examined as a possible differential diagnosis.

SURG-46. PRIMARY MALIGNANT MELANOMA, AN ATYPICAL PRESENTATION IN THE CERVICAL SPINE

Abstract Few studies have documented the occurrences of melanomas in the cervical spine. one percent of all malignant melanoma cases are primary melanoma of the central nervous system, which is extremely uncommon and nonspecific. We aimed to report a case of uncommon presentation of primary melanoma in the cervical spine. This a 59-year-old, male who presented with a 2-year history of anterior neck swelling, severe pain and tingling sensation in the left shoulder and arm which worsened in the previous 6 months. He developed weakness and paresthesia in the left upper arm and progressive gait disturbance of the left lower limb. Physical examination revealed masses in the left cervical and right submandibular region. There was left upper and lower extremities hemiparesis and hemi hypoesthesia. MRI showed hyperintense lesion on T1WI and hypointense on T2WI originating from the cervical spine and involving the vertebral bodies and paravertebral soft tissues. The patient underwent surgery, a black tumor was extracted, and histology revealed malignant melanoma. This case is presented in order to highlight the significance of and challenges associated with making a preoperative diagnosis of primary cervical melanoma with atypical radiological characteristics. Patients with extradural lesions that show hyperintensity on T1 weighted images and hypo intensity on T2-weighted images should have spinal melanoma examined as a possible differential diagnosis.

Clinicopathological features, current status, and progress of primary central nervous system melanoma diagnosis and treatment.

Primary central nervous system (CNS) melanoma is an extremely rare condition, with an incidence rate of 0.01 per 100,000 individuals per year. Despite its rarity, the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease are not yet fully understood. Primary CNS melanoma exhibits highly aggressive biological behavior and presents clinically in a distinct manner from other types of melanomas. It can develop at any age, predominantly affecting the meninges as the primary site, with clinical symptoms varying depending on the neoplasm's location. Due to the lack of specificity in its presentation and the challenging nature of imaging diagnosis, distinguishing primary CNS melanoma from other CNS diseases. The combination of challenges in early detection, heightened tumor aggressiveness, and the obscured location of its origin contribute to an unfavorable prognostic outcome. Furthermore, there has been currently no consensus on a standardized treatment approach for primary CNS melanoma. Despite recent advancements in targeted therapy and immunotherapy for CNS melanoma, patients with primary CNS melanoma have limited treatment options due to their inadequate response to these therapies. Here, we provided a comprehensive summary of the epidemiology, clinical features, molecular pathological manifestations, and available diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of primary CNS melanoma. Additionally, we proposed potential therapeutic strategies for it.

520 Malignant Melanoma: A Rare Primary Bladder Tumour

Abstract A 60-year-old male patient who has been referred by his GP to our ‘one stop hematuria clinic’ due to episodes of visible hematuria for 3 months. The patient is Caucasian, non-smoker, drinking alcohol socially with no related family history of cancer. There is no occupational exposure to any carcinogens. Flexible cystoscopy that showed a dark coloured bladder mass arising from left side of the bladder base. CT urogram that showed evidence of soft tissue lesion in the urinary bladder with upstream mild left hydro-uretero-nephrosis. TURBT was performed carefully. Following complete resection of the tumour lesion, left ureteric orifice became visible. The morphology and immunohistochemistry profile were consistent with malignant melanoma. The presence of in situ component indicated a bladder primary origin rather than metastatic deposit. The case was discussed in our urology Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meeting. Referral for dermatological consultation and radiological correlation were strongly advised in order to exclude any cutaneous or another mucosal primary malignant melanoma. The patient had no suspicious skin lesions. There was no evidence of soft tissue lesions on CT scans. In addition, further PET CT scan failed to show any other malignant lesions except for the bladder. After Histopathologic, dermatologic, and radiologic evidence; the diagnosis of primary urinary bladder malignant melanoma was established. Patient declined radical cystectomy and opted to go for immunotherapy. After completing a course of Nivolumab and Ipilimumab, patient is on a regular follow up cystoscopy with no evidence of recurrence.

Prognostic Significance of Sentinel Lymph Node Status in Thick Primary Melanomas (> 4 mm)

BackgroundThe key prognostic factors for staging patients with primary cutaneous melanoma are Breslow thickness, ulceration, and sentinel lymph node (SLN) status. The multicenter selective lymphadenectomy trial (MSLT-I) verified SLN status as the most important prognostic factor for patients with intermediate-thickness melanoma (Breslow thickness, 1–4 mm). Although most international guidelines recommend SLN biopsy (SLNB) also for patients with thick (> 4 mm, pT4) melanomas, its prognostic role has been questioned. The primary aim of this study was to establish whether SLN status is prognostic in T4 melanoma tumors.MethodsData for all patients with a diagnosis of primary invasive cutaneous melanoma of Breslow thickness greater than 1 mm in Sweden between 2007 and 2020 were retrieved from the Swedish Melanoma Registry, a large prospective population-based registry. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model for melanoma-specific survival (MSS) was constructed based on Breslow thickness stratified for SLN status.ResultsThe study enrolled 10,491 patients, 1943 of whom had a Breslow thickness greater than 4 mm (pT4). A positive SLN was found for 34% of these pT4 patients. The 5-year MSS was 71%, and the 10-year MSS was 62%. There was a statistically significant difference in MSS between the patients with a positive SLN and those with a negative SLN (hazard ratio of 2.4 (95% confidence interval CI 1.6–3.5) for stage T4a and 2.0 (95% CI 1.6–2.5) for satage T4b.ConclusionSentinel lymph node status gives important prognostic information also for patients with thick (> 4 mm) melanomas, and the authors thus recommend that clinical guidelines be updated to reflect this.

Survival outcomes associated with liver-directed therapies in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma.

9590 Background: Metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM) is characterized by a hepatotropic pattern of spread and poor outcomes. Tebentafusp, the only FDA approved therapy, is restricted to patients (pts) with the HLA-A*02:01 genotype. As a result, a variety of liver-directed therapies (LDT) are commonly used for management of hepatic metastases. Methods: Pts with mUM with hepatic metastases who underwent LDT, including radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, hepatic metastatectomy, Yttrium-90 radioembolization (SIRT), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), bland embolization, and immunoembolization (IE), were identified from an institutional database. Data collected included: age, gender, tumor location and size, baseline liver function tests (LFT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), molecular tumor characteristics (where available), type(s) of LDT received, systemic therapies received, and vital status. Time from onset of hepatic metastasis until death (Liver-OS), as well as time from initial diagnosis of primary uveal melanoma until death (Ocular-OS) were calculated. Results: A total of 119 pts were identified. The median age at diagnosis was 53.8 years (range 26-83), 47% were female. At the time of LDT initiation, 33% had bilobar disease and 16% had extrahepatic metastasis. 18% pts had elevated LFTs and 55% had elevated LDH. 72% of pts had M1a disease, 24% had M1b and 4% had M1c disease. 45% of pts received more than one form of LDT. SIRT (31%) was the commonly administered initial LDT, followed closely by IE (26%) and TACE (9%). 86% of pts received systemic therapy including 42% who received immune checkpoint blockade overlapping with LDT. Molecular profiling in 26 pts revealed recurrent mutations in BAP1 (n = 18) and SF3B1 (n = 8). The median ocular-OS across all pts was 71.0 months (95% confidence intervals (CI), 62.8-99.4). The median liver-OS across all pts was 31.8 months (95% CI 25.2-35.3). In pts who received TACE, IE, or SIRT exclusively (n = 44), the median Liver-OS was 15.2 months (95% CI 12.8-NA) for TACE (n = 8), 23.3 months (95% CI 15.8-NA) for SIRT (n = 28), and 28.2 months (95% CI 22.6-NA) for IE (n = 8). Conclusions: Our results provide additional support for the utilization of LDT in pts with mUM, as demonstrated by improved OS compared to historical survival data.

Tolerability and response of palliative radiotherapy in patients receiving tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy.

e14527 Background: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy is an emerging therapeutic option for patients with metastatic tumors having progressed on multiple lines of systemic therapy. It is unknown how TIL therapy impacts the tolerability and effectiveness of palliative radiotherapy (RT). We herein present a case series of patients having received both TIL therapy and palliative RT along with the associated local responses and toxicity profiles. Methods: A single institution retrospective database review identified patients treated with TIL therapy following progression on ≥2 standard treatment(s) for metastatic disease. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they received palliative radiotherapy treatment within 1 year of TIL delivery as pre- or post-TIL therapy. Patient demographic data was collected and descriptive statistics reported. Radiographic imaging response was assigned in accordance with Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Toxicities were graded in accordance with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Version 5.0. Results: Between 2017–2021, a total of 10 patients receiving TIL therapy treated across 12 courses of palliative RT were included for analysis. 8 of 10 patients (80%) had a primary diagnosis of malignant melanoma and 2 (20%) had non-small cell lung cancer. RT was administered to 7 patients pre- and 3 patients post-TIL therapy. Within the pre-TIL cohort, 2 patients received RT between TIL harvest and infusion. Patients received an average total dose of 26 Gy (range, 8-45 Gy). Median patient follow-up after RT was 6 months. Of the patients who received RT prior to TIL therapy, 6 of 9 sites demonstrated at-least stable disease at the site of RT versus 1 of 3 sites receiving post-TIL RT. Across the cohort, 2 patients experienced Grade 1 toxicities associated with RT treatment. No Grade 2+ events were reported. Conclusions: Palliative RT appears to be safe and tolerable when delivered both prior to and post-TIL therapy. RT may be an option for bridging therapy between TIL harvest and infusion. Local response rates to RT were greater in patients receiving RT prior to TIL infusion. Further investigations are warranted to determine the optimal dose, fractionation, and timing of RT when integrating it into future TIL therapy protocols. [Table: see text]

Diagnosis and treatment of primary urethral melanoma with regional lymphatic metastasis in an elderly woman: a case report and review of available therapies

BackgroundMucosal melanomas account for 17% of melanomas, and less than 1% affect the urogenital tract. Primary urethral melanoma is extremely rare; less than 200 cases have been reported so far since it was first described. The clinical presentation is usually delayed, and the prognosis is generally poor.Case presentation.An 86-year-old female was referred to urology due to the presence of a three-month-old violaceous mass in the urethral meatus protruding through the vagina. On physical examination, a pedunculated, hyperpigmented, friable, and tender lesion was seen in the urethral meatus bulging between the labia minora. After initial diagnostic studies, the patient was taken to surgical resection of the lesion. The pathology report identified the lesion as a malignant melanoma of the urethra, and staging studies revealed regional lymph node metastases. After discussing the treatment options with the patient, palliative therapy with nivolumab was started. In follow-up at 26 months, the patient had evidence of extensive lymph node involvement, but a conserved performance status and no visceral metastases.ConclusionPrimary melanoma of the female urethra is an uncommon disease with a poor prognosis. Despite the deficiency in literature regarding its management, it is important to consider patient expectations and preferences when treating this rare disease.

Surgical Resection of Pulmonary Metastases from Melanoma in Oligometastatic Patients: Results from a Multicentric Study in the Era of Immunoncology and Targeted Therapy.

In the last decade, the emergence of effective systemic therapies (ESTs) in the form of both targeted and immuno-based therapies has revolutionized the treatment of patients with advanced stage III and stage IV melanoma. Even though lungs represent the most frequent site of melanoma metastases, only limited data are available on the role of surgery in isolated pulmonary metastases from malignant melanoma (PmMM) in the era of ESTs. The aim of this study is to describe the outcomes of patients who underwent metastasectomy of PmMM in the era of ESTs, in order to identify prognostic factors affecting survival and to provide a framework for more informed patient selection of treatmeant with lung surgery in the future. Clinical data of 183 patients who underwent metastasectomy of PmMM between June 2008 and June 2021 were collected among four Italian Thoracic Centers. The main clinical, surgical and oncological variables reviewed were: sex, comorbidities, previous oncological history, melanoma histotypes and primary site, date of primary cancer surgical treatment, melanoma growth phase, Breslow thickness, mutation pattern disease, stage at diagnosis, metastatic sites, DFI (Disease Free Interval), characteristics of lung metastases (number, side, dimension, type of resection), adjuvant therapy after lung metastasectomy, site of recurrence, disease-free survival (DFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS; defined as the time interval between the first melanoma resection or lung metastasectomy and death from cancer). All patients underwent surgical resection of the primary melanoma before lung metastasectomy. Twenty-six (14.2%) patients already had a synchronous lung metastasis at the time of primary melanoma diagnosis. A wedge resection was performed in 95.6% of cases to radically remove the pulmonary localizations, while an anatomical resection was necessary in the remaining cases. The incidence of major post-operative complications was null, while only 21 patients (11.5%) developed minor complications (mainly air leakage followed by atrial fibrillation). The mean in-hospital stay was 4.46 ± 2.8 days. Thirty- and sixty-day mortality were null. After lung surgery, 89.6% of the population underwent adjuvant treatments (47.0% immunotherapy, 42.6% targeted therapy). During a mean FUP of 107.2 ± 82.3 months, 69 (37.7%) patients died from melanoma disease, 11 (6.0%) from other causes. Seventy-three patients (39.9%) developed a recurrence of disease. Twenty-four (13.1%) patients developed extrapulmonary metastases after pulmonary metastasectomy. The CSS from melanoma resection was: 85% at 5 years, 71% at 10 years, 54% at 15 years, 42% at 20 years and 2% at 25 years. The 5- and 10-year CSS from lung metastasectomy were 71% and 26%, respectively. Prognostic factors negatively affecting CSS from lung metastasectomy at multivariable analysis were: melanoma vertical growth (p = 0.018), previous metastatic sites other than lung (p < 0.001) and DFI < 24 months (p = 0.007). Our results support the evidence that surgical indication confirms its important role in stage IV melanoma with resectable pulmonary metastases, and selected patients can still benefit from pulmonary metastasectomy in terms of overall cancer specific survival. Furthermore, the novel systemic therapies may contribute to prolonged survival after systemic recurrence following pulmonary metastasectomy. Patients with long DFI, radial growth melanoma phase and no site of metastatization other than lung seem to be the best candidate cases for lung metastasectomy; however, to drive stronger conclusions, further studies evaluating the role of metastasectomy in patients with iPmMM are needed.